The activity of the Russian spy ship "Yantar" off the coast of the United Kingdom indicates Russia's active preparation for a full-scale war against Western countries.
According to The Telegraph, "Yantar," officially declared a research vessel studying ocean currents, is actually, according to Western experts, a tool for mapping and even damaging underwater cables. These cables are critical for global communication, and disrupting them could have serious consequences for the economy and security of Western nations.
The British military has already had to force "Yantar" out of its territorial waters twice. Last week, British warships "Somerset" and "Tyne" conducted a show of force in front of the Russian vessel. However, even if the incidents appeared peaceful on the surface, military experts believe that Britain is likely already embroiled in a direct conflict with the Russian "shadow fleet," operating deep underwater and out of sight.
Images released by the UK Ministry of Defence showed that the British auxiliary vessel "Proteus," also equipped with underwater devices, is near "Yantar." These devices have tools that can sever cables connected to "Yantar," suggesting attempts by the British to hinder Russian operations.
Matt Western, head of the UK's Joint Committee on National Security Strategy, emphasized that the consequences of an attack on underwater cables would be catastrophic, impacting "communications, essential services reliant on the Internet, the financial sector, payment systems, supply chains, and more."
Given the ongoing activity of "Yantar" in the Atlantic, from Cuba to Norway, the threat of underwater conflict is becoming increasingly evident, experts highlight.
Source: telegraph.